Welders need a collection of protective gear with flame resistance. Welding is dangerous because of open flames and sparks. And one unavoidable part of your equipment should be a pair of welding pants.
However, lack of knowledge and experience often leads welders to buy the wrong pants, which are hot and heavy, the opposite of ideal for summer. So, today, my target is to guide you to identify the best pants for welding. They will offer you strong protection without causing the user to overheat while wearing them in summer.
The reviews will give you all the details about the pants while discussing their pluses and minuses. Give them a read!
11 Best Pants For Welding Reviews
1. Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Washed Duck Work Dungaree
If you like dungarees, Carhartt has the best option for you. The most attractive feature of the pants is that they are wholly duck canvas cotton, meaning their making is tighter than that of other cotton pants. This characteristic gives them more durability with wear and tear resistance. Their main seams with triple stitches also add to their durability.
Besides, it also increases the pants’ resistance to heat, sparks, and flames. The pants comply with NFPA 2112, having ATPV 15 and FRC2 certifications. That makes them more authentic for tasks like soldering and welding.
The pants are flexible and soft, which you need to wear all day. Notwithstanding that, they may feel a little heavy. Also, their breathability is not much. But that is your tradeoff for durability and high flame resistance. The pants will give you some breathing space and more mobility with their whole thigh and seat.
Next, they have two reinforced front and back pockets with two additional pockets for more storage capacity. You should also know that the pants have a high-tension snap closure to resist arc and a brass zipper. Their boot-cut design will allow them to fit easily over your boots.
- Very long-lasting
- High flame resistance
- Flexibility and softness
- Boot-cut design to wear boots
- Additional rear pockets
- Washable in machines
- Heavy and not so breathable
2. Ariat FR M3 Loose Basic Stackable Leg Jeans
This one is a pair I would describe as casual pants for welding since the pants are not specifically for welding but are jeans with flame resistance. So, they are only enough for simple welding activities. The pants meet the safety criteria of HRC2, and NFPA20, allowing them to be wearable for soldering, welding, and other similar tasks.
The ARIAT Men’s Jeans are entirely cotton, making them not only highly fire-retardant but also light and comfortable. Jeans, however, are not famous for their flexibility, thanks to their stiffness. And that is also the case here, as you will see.
But at the same time, they are pretty thin with their loose-fit design. So you will be satisfied with their breathability and mobility. They are best for hot summer days when you want welding protection but do not like leather pants because of sweat issues.
Machine washability is indeed a plus with the ARIAT Men’s Jeans. Furthermore, they offer a boot-cut style to fit over your boots. They have five pockets, much like regular jeans, acceptable for everyday use. But they lack the adaptability of cargo trousers with lots of pockets. The benefit of these pants is that you can wear them outside of your work.
- Not heavy-weight
- Breathability good enough
- Machine washability
- Safety compliance certifications
- A wide boot-cut style
- More pockets would have been better.
3. Caterpillar Men’s Flame-Resistant Cargo Pants
The Caterpillar Men’s Cargo Pants have 88 percent cotton blended with 12 percent nylon for its thin, light, and durable design. As the pants are mostly cotton, it protects them against sparks and heat, while the nylon adds breathability. They are great for many welding activities, but they’re also light and breathable to keep the wearer cool during the hot months.
These welding trousers are NFPA 2112, HR/Arc2, and NFPA 70E certifications with 9.5 ATPV value, indicating their protectiveness for welding and other involved stuff. They fulfill the flame-retardant clothing’s main criteria. These pants have an anti-static fly zipper clasp to avoid static.
The pants have cargo pockets, flared back pockets, cell and ruler pockets for added convenience. They are available in three colors: navy, black, and FR black.
In addition, the pants include a 20-inch boot-cut leg opening for comfortable fitting. They have articulated knees and a diamond-gusseted crotch to provide maximum adaptability. And you can always wash them in a machine.
All in all, they are the best pants for welding, recommended for users doing a variety of welding jobs.
- Thin, lightweight, and comfortable
- Large pockets
- Articulated knees for maximum adaptability
- Suitable for different welding activities
- Budget-friendly price
- Limited durability
4. ARIAT Women’s FR Bootcut Jeans
Ariat Women’s welding jeans are 12.5 ounces of 100% cotton and flame-resistance denim. They resemble regular jeans that we wear. You will love their fashionable mid-rise waistline. The brand designed them with flat seams with an added gusset under the belt-line for more strength.
Like the other pants I reviewed above, this pair also has a bootcut design. It will provide protection in automotive shops, apart from fitting over boots. But you will need to replace them once in a while.
The machine-washable pants are comfortable, compliant with safety standards, and have a mid-level price range.
- Fashionable look like regular jeans
- A protective design
- Mid-rise waistline
- Comfortable and budget-friendly
- Complained by some, they shrink after several washes.
5. Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Canvas Pants
Carhartt is gaining popularity with its breathable and soft canvas pants. They will win your heart when you feel the comfiness putting them on. The brand made sure to keep them sturdy enough using high-rated materials combined with 12% high-tenacity nylon and 88% cotton.
You will not feel the touch of the scorching heat while welding because the fabric allows airflow. Plus, the loose fit will not restrict air circulation.
The style includes five pockets with a mobile phone pocket. Their sizing is perfect. You will get them in 4 colors: dark brown, green, navy, and khaki. Dry clean and machine wash both are okay for the pants.
- Sturdy and comfy
- Proper air circulation
- Four colors available
- Suitable for machine wash and dry cleaning
- True to sizes
- No hammer loops
6. Carhartt Men’s Flame-Resistant Denim Jeans
When welders wear jeans, they should wear a pair that will not irritate them during work because that can decrease their work efficiency. Keeping that in mind, Carhartt made the best pants for welding to take care of welders’ efficiency by designing the most comfortable cotton jeans garment-washed to add more softness.
The pants weigh almost 12 ounces, considered 100% cotton denim with flame resistance. They will give you a relaxed fitting in your thigh areas with a brass zipper and a zipper tape of Nomex. Wide enough for boot coverage, they come with NFPA compliances for flame resistance.
They will sit below your waist, highlighting a button closure for arc resistance. And you will find a couple of back pockets in them.
- Work efficiency unaffected
- 100% cotton denim
- Cozy fitting around the thighs
- Arc-resistant button
- Soft and easy to wash
- Too thin
7. Bulwark Men’s Flame Resistant Cotton Work Pant
There lie many health hazards in welding, and so it requires welders to be careful with their gears and equipment. With welding, you can never be too cautious. And one of the things requiring your meticulous judgment is your welding pants.
Bulwark makes its FR pants with 100% FR cotton, usually used in various industries and petrochemical plants. The quality of the pants will tell you how much thought and care the brand put into them.
There is an inner-lined waistband neatly done with button closures. You will have two front and two hip pockets. Industrial and home wash are appropriate for them. Visual green, navy blue, and charcoal are presently the available colors.
- Complete flame resistance
- Wholly cotton, neatly made to protect welders
- Industrial and home wash applicable
- Different colors available
- Button closure included
- Two sets of pockets
- Size inaccuracy
- Costly
8. Wrangler Riggs Workwear Men’s FR Relaxed Fit Jeans
Wrangler Riggs has been making the best pants for welding since 1947. The brand’s specialty is its use of first-class materials. They are the most advanced welding jeans for comfort, safety, and style.
Welders should work in safe environments with enjoyable clothing. In that regard, the brand gives its customers the topmost mobility and movability. And it could not have done it better. Workers and industries have loved the pants’ fitting and comfortability.
The washable jeans contain multi-pocket designs to keep your stuff protective. While satisfying the Risk Category 2 conditions, they also adhere to NFPA 70E and 2112. The most amazing part is their life-saving thermal protection to help you by relieving you from thermal blasts or flashes.
There will be five 13-inch deep pockets in the pants (with an oversized watch pocket!). Besides that, they will provide you with enough room for legs and thighs.
- High-rise style
- High-quality denim
- Wide leg openings
- Large pockets
- Enough space for legs and thighs
- Button closure and zipper fly are both available.
- Fabric is not that smooth.
- Size inaccuracy (smaller than actual)
9. Wrangler Men’s FR Original Fit Jeans
This pair of jeans from Wrangler will let you work spontaneously and harmlessly all day without getting exhausted. And that is very important for welders because you will not work well if you cannot focus.
The cotton denim pants will fit on your boots without any trouble. You can work with them in workshops or other job sites. If their look makes you dubious, be sure of their flame resistance. They are also suitable for professional use.
Now let’s turn our attention to their price. It is not overly expensive. Moreover, they will provide you with protection and durability. It has a quality button closure and brass zipper with the finishing of triple-needle stitching. An arc-resistant button will also be there for extra safety. So, you know what you are getting for the price.
- Relaxed fitting
- Long-lasting and quality construction
- High-level protection
- Triple-needle stitching
- Machine washable
- Size inaccuracy
10. Wrangler Riggs Workwear Women’s FR Jeans
Okay, ladies. I have so far reviewed one pair of pants for you. Here goes another.
This regular fit, 100% cotton, and boot-cut Wrangler Riggs product is for welders always ready to get the work done. They will sit cozily on your waist and become your go-to welding pants sooner than you know it.
The jeans have an Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) of 19 cal/cm2. They are self-extinguishing to minimize the fatality of burn accidents. They will keep you secure during risky projects. For more visibility, they come with an orange safety ID.
The price is reasonable, compared to that of other welding pants.
- Cotton and bootcut design
- Minimization of burn injury severity
- Regular fit and true to size
- Reasonable price range
- High visibility
- Not that long-lasting
11. Women’s Taclite Pro Tactical 7 Pocket Cargo Pants
The final best pants for welding are also for women welders. The pants are 35% cotton and 65% polyester.
The professional cargo pants are tough yet comfy to put on for any project. You will find them reliable because they ensure your safety before anything else. (They will be your BAE pants!) On top of that, their double-reinforced knees and seat with the waistband and gusseted construction will add to their dependability during recreational or outdoor jobs.
5.11 designed the pants with bar tacking and triple stitching at stress points and major seams to make the pants sturdy and lasting. Apart from that, they also added seven pockets with the strap-and-slash ones.
The finishing touch with Teflon and the hip-mounted D-ring, accompanied with Pyrm Snaps and YKK zippers, made them the trendiest and best pants for welding in the current market.
Lastly but importantly the price is fairly in the typical range. The maintenance is simple. You can machine-wash them anytime. They are available in the tundra, black, charcoal, TDU green, TDU khaki, khaki, and dark navy colors.
- Very trendy with unique making
- Lightweight, sturdy, and smooth
- Seven pockets
- Six different colors
- Fair bargain
- Wearable for any outdoor jobs
- Size problem may occur
How To Buy The Best Pants For Welding?
Before you get all excited to buy your welding pants, sit and think about the factors you should consider first. Let’s see which ones deserve your immediate attention.
Safety
This is the most crucial considerations for purchasing welding pants. Welders are frequently exposed to heat, flairs, and sparks. Your everyday pants will not protect you much here.
The best pants for welding should at least be flame-resistant and provide sufficient insulation to keep you safe from a hot surface. When you get close to electricity, such insulation can be handy.
Plus, the pant thickness is also critical in that regard. Pants with an added thickness (like the denim ones) can effectively reduce the severity of slags, flairs, and cuts.
Additional Read: Deadly welding mistakes
Maintenance
It is always a plus if the maintenance is simple. Yes, you will face lots of rust, dust, and grime. So it is best if the pants are machine washable. Straightforward maintenance can help you avoid washing regularly and save you unwanted daily hassles.
Comfort And Mobility
Many beginners tend to overlook comfort when choosing welding pants. Do not do that. Yes, flame resistance is important. But you also need to take into account the fabric’s breathability and its feel on your skin. You need to feel cozy with them. Otherwise, you cannot focus on your project if you have to fix your pants every half an hour.
The comfort depends largely on the material. For example, spandex provides you with stretchiness for mobility. And cotton will prevent sweating even during high heat exposure.
Leg Openings
Welders often wear protective boots that are heavy-weight and heavy-duty. So, the best pants for welding should have a leg opening wide enough to accommodate the boots without giving you itching. However, pants with relaxed-fitting will also do the trick.
Sizing
Sizing impacts comfortability a lot. Too loose or too tight will make you uneasy at work, causing distractions. Get a pair a size larger to accommodate your regular clothing inside. The additional capacity allows more airflow.
Some shops have pants true to size, while others do not. So be sure of the fitting before buying yours. To measure your size, check the length and waist. Do not see the waist only. That would be a huge mistake.
NFPA Ratings
NFPA refers to National Fire Protection Association. You have seen that most reviews above came with an NFPA rating. Level 1 rating means only powerfully heated materials will sometimes get ignited. And level 0 means the pants are fire-resistant and will not burn under heat.
There are other levels but look for these two ratings while picking your pants for ensuring maximum safety.
Other Factors
Other factors include double stitching, additional accessories like anti-static and non-conductive buttons. These features help you assess the pant quality.
Furthermore, if you prioritize enhanced convenience, see the pocket number of your chosen pants. The best pants for welding should ideally come with at least five pockets with hooks and hammer loops.
Finally, protection around the knees with extra padding will assist you in working on your knees. That is sometimes a prerequisite to working in workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked by welders. See if the answers help you.
What does FR indicate in welding pants?
It refers to the pants’ flame resistance rating. Do not confuse that with ‘fireproof’. FR pants can withstand heat exposure to keep the fire distant from flairs and sparks. But they can still catch fire. On the contrary, fireproof means the object will not catch fire. Know the differences.
Does a pant being 100% cotton mean it is fire-resistant?
No. They are stylish and comfortable but not fire-resistant. It requires different chemical treatments to make them fire-retardant. The same applies to spandex, nylon, polyester, and other fabrics.
Do I have to put on protective gear even when I wear the best pants for welding?
Yes, that is mandatory. Always wear goggles, a protective shirt suitable for welding, and gloves while working. Welding pants are there to protect your feet and legs. But you have to keep your whole body safe.
Final Verdict
The final verdict is about summing up the reviews. To begin, Carhartt Duck Welding Pants are the best pants for welding, recommended by welders, linemen, ranchers, linemen, and farmers. You could call them indestructible. They provide safety and security from every aspect, not to mention their unbeatable performance.
Those looking to buy pants at a low price must check the Caterpillar pants. They offer all the fundamental requirements at a fair cost.
Ariat and Wrangler Riggs also have the excellent pants for welding for both men and women. They are true to size, provide strong protection, and have top-notch makings and finishings. But the other pants from 5.11 are also my favorite. They are unique, stylish, lightweight, moderately priced, and long lasting.
And that would be all for today. Thanks for reading!
